First Arab Composer to Arrange World’s Oldest Music Notation!
Ugarit, Syria is the birthplace of the alphabet and of music notation.

Excavations of the ancient Phoenician city, Ugarit, in what is now modern Ras Shamra north of Latakia on the Mediterranean coast of Syria uncovered cuneiform tablets that date back to approximately 3400 B.C. Among the tablets were three fragments of a single tablet in various states of preservation. The text consists of Akkadian terms written in Ugaritic Cuneiform script and is the oldest known preserved music notation in the world! The clay tablets also contain instructions for a singer accompanied by musicians, as well as instructions on tuning instrument strings.

The interpretation of the music notation of Ugarit is a challenge and several “reconstructions” have been published. The evidence that both the 7-note diatonic scale as well as harmony existed 3400 years ago is contrary to most musicologists’ view that ancient harmony was virtually impossible. The discovery at Ugarit has revolutionized previous notions about the origin of Western music.

Arab American composer and pianist, Malek Jandali, has been composing for more than 15 years.  Lately, he has been greatly inspired by the folk and ancient music of Syria. Following an early career as a classical pianist as well as a composer for television and multimedia, he went into a period of musical isolation until he produced his new album “Echoes from Ugarit”. Jandali is the only Syrian and the first Arab composer to arrange the oldest music notation in the world. He has attracted increasing attention across Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. as a performer and composer.

Jandali left Syria at the age of 19 when he received a full scholarship to pursue advanced music studies in the United States. “After more than 15 years, I felt the need to come back to my roots, my heritage and our rich civilization. I wanted to share all that with the people here in the States, to present a positive image and build a musical bridge between our cultures,” he said.

Reaching back into ancient history, it is clear that music and musical instruments were important in all civilizations. Mesopotamian music was no exception. Jandali undertook extensive research and studied the music transcription.  He then arranged the music for piano. A few years later, he took the work to the next level and utilized his orchestration and composition techniques to include the orchestra and add harmony. He achieved the first piano and orchestral arrangement of the oldest music notation in the world!  He decided to name his new album “Echoes from Ugarit” in order to tell the world that Ugarit, Syria is the birthplace of music and harmony.
Music has always been a huge part of Jandali’s life. “I am a very passionate artist and composer,” he says. “A part of me goes into every piece that I create. When the audience listen to my music, I want them to feel as though they are listening to what is in my heart. Hopefully, the music will mean as much to them as it does to me,” Jandali explains.

He felt a responsibility to give back and share his talent and present his culture by composing and performing this unique work to which he believes people all over the world will relate. “The best way was pure music and going back more than 5000 years to the oldest music notation of Bronze city of Ugarit,” he says. 

Jandali believes that music is one of the best ways to communicate a message of peace and share culture and civilization among different nations. “I want people to know that I am trying to build a musical bridge to the past as well as between cultures. I listened only to an inner voice of ancient civilizations, a voice trembled into life on reading certain passages from the music clay tablets of Ugarit, and the result was rich music!”
Jandali’s new album, “Echoes from Ugarit,” is produced and published by Soul b Music. The CD will be released in the Fall of 2008, and will feature original piano and orchestral works performed with members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

For more information about the artist, Malek Jandali and his important new work, visit http://www.malekjandali.com/

Comments (9) >>

Best Syrian Musican!
written by Dr. Sami Akhras on June 15, 2008

Malek Jandali is the best Syrian musician. Unique pianist and an accomplished composer. A job well done!

We are very Proud Of You
written by Daniell on May 23, 2008

Jack and I can't wait to assist in one of your concert. Fantastic... keep it up and Good Luck.....

We are so proud of you.Nazem &Mona
written by Mona Droubi on May 14, 2008

You know how to listen to your inner self, to divine transcendental echoes.Your music enters our souls &hearts.Good luck ya malek Alkalb.Looking forword to see you performing soon in Egypt.

I am so proud of you
written by Mona Droubi on May 13, 2008

Habibi Malek.Looking forward to hear you performing in Egypt.Good luck Malouk& best wishes.Hope we shall meet soon.You know quite well how to listen to your inner self,to divine echoes &compose the wonder.Love you so much.

Great Work!
written by Marina Dubovskova on May 13, 2008

We can't wait for your concert in Moscow. What a great work you have done Malek!

Pure music
written by Sarra Dahman on May 13, 2008

You deliver a very pure and fantastic music!
Bravo

Salamat

You are GREAT
written by Habib on May 12, 2008

You are great!
You deserve all the best, Malek

Thank you!
written by Bashar on May 12, 2008

You make us Syrians very proud! Thank you Mr. Jandali.

good luck
written by ahmad on May 11, 2008

good luck man.

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